Here are some dramatic photos of the Sinkhole, provided by the state DOT.
Photos by Washington Department of Transportation
In the days after the Dec. 3 rainstorm, crews discovered a large 30-foot-deep by 30-foot by 80-foot sinkhole just 12 feet from the southbound shoulder of I-405. Crews immediately closed the lanes and poured 1000 cubic yards of rock into the hole to prevent more sliding. In the following days, the materials sloughed away. Upon closer examination, they determined the 400-foot long culvert that carries Thunder Hills Creek from the east side of I-405 to the west was failing. The culvert collapsed and a sinkhole formed immediately above it. WSDOT engineers are designing a plan to replace the culvert. That work could take up to six weeks.
“Tim, Fred, now that’s a hole aint it.” “Ya Bob, that there’s a big hole.” ” I reckon we all go grab a cup of coffee and discuss this here hole. It is getting a little chilly out here.” “Ya, let’s do it. If we play our cards right, we can milk this till the end of shift.” “Any ideas?” Ya, I know this cozy little coffee shop on the way to Stevens Pass. Nobody’ll recognize us up there.” “Ok, let’s get movin boys!” “I gotta make one stop on the way to pay my buddy off for some wiskey he brought back from Nevada.”